DailySun
Johannesburg – Lawrance Sithembiso Mdlalose, a 30-year-old individual, is charged with igniting a fire at the Usindiso Building that tragically led to the death of 76 people. He made his first court appearance at the High Court in Johannesburg.
Mdlalose faces multiple charges related to the fatalities and had a brief session in court on Friday, 14 February 2025.
Unfortunately, he attended the hearing without legal representation, leading the court to postpone the case to 21 February 2025.
In response to the incident, Phindi Mjonondwane, Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng, mentioned that a commission of inquiry was established.
During the inquiry, the accused testified before a magistrate, acknowledging his role in starting the fire.
“Mdlalose was arrested on 23 January 2024, facing 76 counts of murder, an arson charge, and 12 counts of attempted murder,” Mjonondwane explained.
A police investigation led by Colonel Andile Manganyi uncovered the events that culminated in the devastating fire that took 76 lives and left 12 others injured.
“The accused, who lived in the building, was allegedly involved in a violent altercation with a person known as KB in a ground-floor room on 31 August 2023,” stated Mjonondwane.
“He reportedly assaulted KB to retrieve payment for drugs sold on his behalf.
“The violence escalated until KB lost consciousness, causing the accused to panic, mistakenly believing that KB was dead.”
Subsequently, he left to procure petrol and allegedly doused KB’s body before setting it alight.
The flames rapidly consumed the building while the accused remained outside, pretending to be uninvolved.
“Occupants shouted for assistance, with some jumping from the building,” lamented Phindi Mjonondwane.
“The aftermath exposed charred and gravely injured bodies scattered both inside and outside the building.”
